Pay it Forward: Part I

I'm sure you all saw that Pay it Forward message that was going around Facebook at the beginning of the year, didn't you?  In case you didn't, this is what it said:

"Pay it Forward in 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011."

I only got 4 comments (I guess people were intimidated by my crafty prowess?), which meant I only needed to make and send 4 pretty things.  It took me a little while because I had a bit of a queue going, but I finished all 4 by the end of April and sent the two that needed to be mailed a couple weeks ago.  I still have two gifts waiting at home, but they will hopefully be delivered this weekend so I can address them in the next post.  

First, for Christina, the Springtime in Philadelphia Beret by Kate Gagnon Osborn:

Christina sent me this yarn (Palette in Lilac) for correctly answering a movie question on Facebook a while ago.  I thought it was appropriate to use it for her Facebook gift!  The pattern was totally easy and took me about 2 days to complete.  Yeah, I know I'm not a good gauge for time, but trust me, the pattern repeat is very easy to memorize and the project flies by, even though you're knitting on size 2 needles! 

Second, for Kristina, the Gretel Beret by Ysolda Teague:

I've knit this one before and while I don't really like knitting a pattern more than once, this beret is so quick and beautiful that I was more than happy to follow it a second time (and maybe even a third for myself one day)!  I wouldn't call this one easy--maybe advanced intermediate.  It's way easier if you cable without a cable needle and is also a great project to learn said technique.  She has a link to a tutorial right in the pattern.  You will have to purchase this pattern, but it's totally worth it.  The product is beautiful, the pattern is well-written, and it makes a fantastic gift you'll make over and over again.  Ysolda Teague is amazing.

I love the latticed cable pattern and the size and drape of the finished product.  I really think I need one for myself.  Kristina liked it, too.  She wrote her own blog post about it here: Kristina Cipolla Photography.  It's nice to be loved and appreciated. :)

Next time I'll either have more Pay it Forward gifts or the completed Laar Cardigan.  Hope for the latter.  It's going to be gorgeous!

 House update: We're preapproved!  So now we've started the process of viewing dozens of homes for sale.  Haven't seen anything good yet, but we've got some appointments coming up, including one with a builder--what little girl doesn't want a home built to her specifications?  This one sure does!  I'll let you know how things go.

Cheers,

-Allie